Name_________________________ Coraline Pages 1-33: Chapters 1-3 1. Describe how the author Neil Gaiman begins this novella? What is the setting like? 2. What is Coraline like, her world? How does she like to spend her time? What's her relationship with her parents like? 3. Coraline receives ominous warnings about her future. What are the warnings and from whom does she receive them? What do you think the messages mean? 4. When Coraline unlocks the door to the neighboring flat she knows she is doing something she is not supposed to (pg.26). But she does it anyway. Why? What are the consequences? Pages 35-67: Chapters 4-5 1. Compare and contrast Coraline's real world with the one she has stumbled upon. Is the new world a better world? Why or why not? Use examples from the book to support your answer. 2. When Coraline discovers her parents are missing, she calls the police. What does she tell the officer? How does he respond? Why? How would you respond if you were the officer? Why? What would you have done if you were in Coraline's situation? 3. How does Coraline define bravery? In what ways does Coraline demonstrate bravery? What is your definition of bravery? 4. The other mother tells Coraline: "We're ready to love you and play with you and feed you and make your life more interesting." Why does the other mother want Coraline? Use the text to inform your answer. For example, what reason does the cat give? What can you infer from the cat's answer? What family would you choose? Why? Pages 67-88: Chapters 6-7 1. What are some more things Coraline discovers about this new world? Name the differences that are emphasized between her real world and this one. What are some of the things Coraline wonders about as she explores? 2. In Chapter 6, what does the cat do that upsets Coraline so much? Describe this in detail. If the cat is represents Coraline's subconscious, then what may she be trying to tell herself about life and the nature of evil? 3. Describe the exchange between the other mother and Coraline in Chapter 6. In what ways is it like a typical mother and daughter interaction? In what ways, does it differ? Be as detailed as possible. 4. In chapter 7, what role do the other children Coraline hears play in the story? In other words, what do these children teach Coraline about the other mother? What does she realize she must do in order to escape? Pages 89-114: Chapters 8-9 1. What challenge does Coraline present to her other mother (p.91)? What will happen if she loses? What will happen if she wins? What makes her think winning is possible? Do you think this challenge is wise? Why or why not? 2. Do the mirrors Coraline encounters in the real world and the other world reflect reality or illusion? How do you know? What is the significance of mirrors in Coraline? 3. When Coraline finds her other father in the basement, he tells her to flee (p. 112). When she refuses, he turns on her and tries to harm her. How does Coraline respond? What happens as a result? Pages 115-137: Chapters 10-11 1. Coraline explains to the old man upstairs,” I don't want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if we just got everything we wanted? Just like that, and it didn't mean anything. What then?" (p. 120) Do you agree or disagree with Coraline? Explain your thinking. How would you respond to her question? 2. In chapter 10, how does Coraline show bravery and how does she overcome her fears? Use specific examples from the book and be as detailed as possible. 3. In chapters 10 and 11, what does Coraline learn about the other mother? What does she learn about herself? How does this knowledge help her? 4. How does Coraline escape the other mother? Describe this in detail and her journey home. What does Coraline notice about her old world once she's returns? GRS 6, Pages 139-162: Chapters 12-13 1. How does Coraline's life change when she returns to the real world with her parents? What does Coraline learn from the experience of being in the other world? 2. After Coraline returns to the real world she receives clues that the other mother's work is not done. What are they? 3. Describe Coraline's “dreams” upon her return. Be as detailed as possible. 4. How does Coraline defeat the other mother once and for all? Be specific.
